Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band
Qalipu is the Mi’kmaq word for caribou.
The band name was suggested by William P. Duggan of Corner Brook.
As he says: “Caribou, even in early times, were considered noble
and dignified. Their uses are woven into the lifestyle and history
of Newfoundland Mi’kmaq.”
Qalipu is pronounced
hal·lay·boo.
The primary goal of the FNI always has been to achieve official recognition for its members as Status Indians under the federal Indian Act.
On November 30, 2007, the FNI initialed an Agreement-in-Principle with the Government of Canada that outlined provisions for the creation of a new landless band named Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band.
FNI members overwhelmingly ratified this Agreement-in-Principle on March 30, 2008. Canada ratified it in June, and the FNI is now in the process of enrolment and the creation of the First Founding Members list for the new band.
Once established, the Qalipu Band will become one of the largest bands in Canada. It will realize many long-sought benefits for Newfoundland Mi’kmaq, including:
- registration to verify its Mi’kmaq population
- eligibility for recognition under the Indian Act
- access to federal programs
- stable funding for band development and programs
The membership application review process is slated to begin in late 2008, and will continue for one year. If all steps proceed as outlined in the proposed schedule, the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band will be established as early as 2010.
The FNI has a separate website devoted to this initiative—see www.qalipu.com.
You can also learn more about this historic event and the path that
led to it at: